E1664 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 13, 2018 BIRTHDAY CONGRATULATIONS SUPPORT FOR H. RES. 1169, RE- Theater, that Mr. Smith met the love of his life, FOR GLADYS COOKE AFFIRMING THE COMMITMENT and his future wife, JoDean. OF THE UNITED STATES TO PRO- Over the course of their marriage, JoDean MOTE FREE, FAIR, TRANS- and Mr. Smith had six beautiful children, in- HON. BRENDA JONES PARENT AND CREDIBLE ELEC- cluding two sons, Justin and Drew, and four TIONS IN BANGLADESH daughters, Adrienne, Emily, Laura, and Kath- OF leen. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. DARREN SOTO At the age of 29, Mr. Smith joined the U.S. Thursday, December 13, 2018 OF FLORIDA Army, pursuing a career of service in the field IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of health care. As a Service Member, Mr. Smith studied at Baylor University, receiving Ms. JONES of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise Thursday, December 13, 2018 today to wish a very happy birthday to a re- his Masters in Healthcare Administration in Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in sup- tired teacher in my district, Gladys Cooke. 1992. Mr. Smith worked at U.S. Army hos- port of H. Res. 1169 calling for a free and fair pitals around the globe, from the Army Gen- Born on December 17, 1938, Gladys was the election in Bangladesh. My district is home to eral Hospital in Seoul, South Korea, to the third child of Jessie Mae and Robert Jones. a large population of Bangladeshi ex-pats, and Army Health Center in Vicenza, Italy. His 22- She graduated from Parker High School and I’ve heard from them about the need for a year career in the U.S. Army culminated with Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama, and free, fair, transparent, and credible election. Mr. Smith’s work as Deputy Commander for became a teacher in the school sys- During the 2014 general election, major Administration of the Army Community Hos- tem, where she taught math at Cass Technical Bangladeshi political parties boycotted the pital at Fort Benning, Georgia. election due to concerns about the impartiality High School, , and While in the military, Mr. Smith was inducted of the electoral process. Historically, Ban- into the Order of Military Medical Merit, an . As a young woman she gladesh would install a caretaker government was featured in Ebony Magazine. honorary organization which recognizes lead- during elections to ensure free, fair, trans- ership and significant contributions to the She has 3 brothers and 4 sisters, one of parent, and credible elections. However, dur- Army Medical Department. He also earned the whom is deceased. She is the proud mother ing the 2014 election, that didn’t happen. Expert Field Medical Badge and received the of Dr. Tiffany A. Cook of Atlanta, Georgia. Since then, there have been political rivalries Army Legion of Merit for exceptional meri- that have devolved into violent clashes. All She will be celebrating her 80th Birthday torious conduct in the performance of out- parties should be free to participate in the po- standing services and achievements. next week with friends, family, and loved ones litical process. They should be free to express at Joe Muer Seafood at the Renaissance Cen- After retiring from the military in 2005, Mr. their political views, campaign and hold peace- Smith began serving as Assistant Director and ter in Detroit. ful rallies and meetings, and not fear physical thereafter Director of the Central Texas Vet- retribution for exercising a fundamental human erans Affairs Hospital. After eight years there, f right to participate in the democratic electoral Mr. Smith accepted the Directorship role at the process. RECOGNIZING DANIEL Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center. I believe that free, fair, transparent, and For those who had the opportunity to work LAFROMBOISE FOR THE 2018 credible elections are the cornerstone of de- MONTANA CONGRESSIONAL VET- with Mr. Smith he will always be remembered mocracy. As Bangladesh is scheduled to hold as a tireless servant leader who cared deeply ERAN COMMENDATION general elections at the end of the month, I for our Veterans, appreciated those who urge everyone to participate in the democratic worked with him, and related to everyone with process, and vote. compassion and respect. HON. GREG GIANFORTE I’m a proud co-sponsor of this resolution While Mr. Smith dedicated himself fully to and urge my colleagues support as well. OF MONTANA caring for Service Members and Veterans, he f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES was also a devoted father and husband. He CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND CA- was always happiest when he was surrounded Thursday, December 13, 2018 REER OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL by his loving wife, his children, and his grand- THOMAS C. SMITH III children. Mr. Smith’s Catholic faith was of the Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today utmost importance to him, and he truly sought to recognize Daniel LaFromboise of Wolf HON. TERRI A. SEWELL to live each day according to Christ’s example. Creek, a recipient of the 2018 Montana Con- On a personal note, I got to know Mr. Smith OF ALABAMA gressional Veteran Commendation for his when he assumed the role of Director of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES service to his country and leadership in his Birmingham VA Medical Center. Mr. Smith community. Thursday, December 13, 2018 was a true patriot who led by example. His warm smile and engaging spirit greeted every Mr. LaFromboise proudly joined the United Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I Service Member and Veteran that sought care States Marine Corps soon after graduating rise today to honor the extraordinary life and career of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas C. Smith at the Birmingham VA Hospital. Mr. Smith high school. He served as a Corporal sta- III, who served ably as Director of the Bir- made a positive and lasting impact on the Vet- tioned in Korea in the late 1950’s, following mingham VA Medical Center during his distin- eran community in Birmingham. His legacy will the Korean War. His service to his community guished career in the U.S. Army and with the live on in the many people he touched through has continued well after his military career. Department of Veterans Affairs. Throughout his long career providing quality health care to Mr. LaFromboise became a member of the his career, Mr. Smith worked tirelessly to pro- our military Service Members and Veterans. Montana law enforcement community, serving vide care for our nation’s Service Members Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, JoDean, thirteen years with the Montana Highway Pa- and Veterans. Mr. Smith was a man of the son Justin and daughter-in-law Molly, son Drew and daughter-in-law Angie, daughter trol and three years as a Deputy Sheriff in highest character who loved his family and who dedicated himself to God and country. Adrienne and son-in-law Richard Stravitsch, Lewis and Clark County. A member of the Mr. Smith was born in Phenix City, Ala- daughter Emily and son-in-law Daniel Henson, Turtle Mountain Chippewa tribe, Mr. bama, on July 6, 1953, to parents Thomas C. daughter Laura, daughter Kathleen, and four- LaFromboise participated in a state sponsored Smith II and Ganelle Putnam Smith. He grew teen grandchildren. He is also survived by his bison program and volunteered his personal up with three sisters, Kaye, Phyllis, and Debo- sisters, Kaye Latulippe, Phyllis Mann, and time to deliver bison meat to families in need. rah, who he loved and cherished greatly. Deborah Smith. He is proceeded in death by His dedication to serving hungry families often After graduating from Central High School, his parents, Thomas C. Smith II and Ganelle meant driving hundreds of miles on deliveries. Mr. Smith attended Auburn University where Putnam Smith. I ask my colleagues to join me today in he was well known for his acting talent and Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 7th Congres- often graced the stage of Telfair Peet Theatre. sional District and the State of Alabama, I ask commending Daniel LaFromboise for his dedi- Upon earning his degree at Auburn, Mr. Smith my colleagues to join me in celebrating the ca- cation and service. worked at the Ritz Theater in Gadsden, Ala- reer and incredible contributions of Lieutenant bama. It was there, as Director of the Ritz Colonel Thomas C. Smith III. He served his

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 14, 2018 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A13DE8.002 E13DEPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS